INDIA INVITED TO JOIN THE BLUE DOT NETWORK

Context

A group of the US Senators, in a letter, has asked India to join the Blue Dot Network (BDN). What is blue dot network?
The BDN was formally announced on 4th November 2019 at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. It is led by the USA along with Japan and Australia.
It is a multi-stakeholder initiative to bring together governments, the private sector and civil society to promote high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development.
It is expected to serve as a globally recognized evaluation and certification system for roads, ports and bridges with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
Infrastructure projects would be graded on debt, environmental standards, labour standards etc.
This system would apply to projects in any citizen-centric country where citizens would like to evaluate such projects.
It is planned as a direct counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
However, unlike the BRI, the BDN would not offer public funds or loans for the project.
Blue Dot certification: BDN will serve as a globally recognized seal of approval for major infrastructure projects, letting people know that projects are sustainable and not exploitative.